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Ferrets/Ferret colors

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Expert: Cindy Petrauskas - 11/1/2009


Question

Mitch
Hello Cindy!

I have just adopted a new furry friend! I've named him mitch he's a 5-6 month old lil gent and he's a complete sweetheart, very well mannered and comes when called. The only problem thus far is I'm having trouble distinguishing his color and was hoping to get some advice!
I'm guessing he's some sort of silver, but his base coat is yellow with almost blackish brown/silver tint to his outer hair shafts (especially around his legs like a sable). He has like a widows peek at his forehead that is almost chocolate and his face is mostly white with some faded brown where he might have a very light mask. He has white mittens and his tail fades into a solid silver.
Lol, He might just be a mutt of some sort but it would be extremely helpful if you can direct me to the closest category of color! (Mostly for my own pleasure of knowing and to make it easier to explain to friends when they ask! lol)

Here's a photo of my Mitchy boy! Thanks so much for looking!

-Stephanie  

Answer
Congradulations on your new addition to your family!  He's a cutie =D

Colors are difficult to pinpoint, especially when many look similar.  From the picture I would say a roan mitt (perhaps chocolate roan mitt?  There seems to be a brownish tone in there too.)  

A roan is also called "silver" which is the term I generally use.  If you want to be correct to the ferret standards, it is called roan.  Go figure!  

Since pictures are often difficult to determine, I've included a link to the AFA color chart that they use for evaluating color.      

http://www.ferret.org/events/colors/colorchart.html

I hope that helps!  

-Cindy P.  

Cindy Petrauskas

Expertise

I have owned these little weasels for over 16 years. While I cannot diagnose a condition, I feel confident to have gained enough knowledge to answer most questions concerning general health, nutrition, training, safety, cage requirements, games, grooming, vaccination, behavior, nipping, adoption, care of ill and elderly, and common symptoms of diseases. I have personally witnessed adrenal tumors, malignant cancer and liver failure in my own pets, and have seem many other conditions at my job as a vet technician for six years. Now I am studying for my doctorate in veterinary medicine, but as previously mentioned, I cannot diagnose a condition. That can only be done by a licensed veterinarian. I will, however, do my very best to answer any questions to the best of my ability.

Experience

I have been a ferret owner (or owned by the carpet sharks!) for the past 16 years, as well as a shelter volunteer (Ferret Association of CT) for many more. I am now a third-year veterinary student at Louisiana State University, and I hope to specialize in these little guys!! There are so few doctors that will treat ferrets. I have my bachelor's degree in bio-molecular science, and I am currently enrolled at the the LSU College of Veterinary Medicine for my DVM degree.

Organizations
Louisiana State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Ferret Association of CT, Student Chapter of the American Society of Veterinary Medicine

Education/Credentials
Present: Louisiana State School of Veterinary Medicine: 2009-2013 (DVM Degree) Past: Farmington Valley Veterinary ER (ER tech): 2007-current Veterinary Specialists of CT (vet tech): 2006-2007 Central Connecticut State University: 2001-2006 (BS in Bio-medical)

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